Mexborough and Swinton Times September 3, 1926

Denaby Hospital Sunday
A Lucky Committee

The annual demonstration in support of the Fullerton hospital, Denaby Main, was held last Sunday afternoon in glorious weather. In spite of the prevailing conditions there was a good attendance and satisfactory receipts. The procession was larger than ever made a gay and interesting spectacle. The Mexborough, Conisborough, and Wombwell Urban District councils contributed their fire brigades and equipment, and there was a very good muster of Sunday schools, Boy Scouts, girl guides, trade unions, and friendly societies. Among the tableaux in the procession was a representation of a soup kitchen – a topical and pathetic touch. The Mexborough and Denaby Salvation Army band, the Conisborough band, and the Denaby ambulance band took part in the proceedings. The service was held as usual in a large field adjoining the hospital.

Mr. H. C. Harrison, general manager of the Denaby and Cadeby colliery’s, presided, and with him on the platform were a number of hospital workers, including Mr. F. Ward, chairman of the committee of the hospital; Mr. S. R. Johnson (secretary), Mr. A. Robinson bracket secretary of the demonstration committee), Coun. W. B. Wells (chairman of the Conisborough Urban District Council), the rev stop age. The (the of Denaby),   Cannon Leteux (Roman Catholic pastor for Denaby and district), Rev. J. E. Riley (Superintendent of the Wesleyan South Yorkshire coalfield mission), Rev. R. Shepherd (local primitive Methodist minister), Mr. Jabez Hall, J. P., Crown, W. L. Worsley , and Coun. G. Chatfield. Mr. G. H. Hirst, M. P., a former resident of Denaby and a familiar figure at these demonstrations, was unable to be present, and sent an apology.

The chairman commented of the size of the procession and the general animation of the proceedings. He also referred to the Demonstration Committee’s consistent good work luck with regard to whether, and said they have been blessed with the abundance of sunshine that day, and, in view of the heat, he suggested that the speeches will be better for being brief. All the speakers had a very good text, in the hospital itself, standing in front of them. They all realised that it was an awkward time to make appeal for funds. For many years it had been the proud boast that their hospital was one of the very few which was out of debt. Unfortunately, there were not in that position at present, owing to the special difficulties of the industrial situation, but they were not greatly worried. They were all proud of the hospital and were determined to keep it on a sound and efficient footing. The hospital proved a very great benefit to the district, and well deserved the enthusiasm as displayed on its behalf on that day.

The secretary of the hospital, Mr. S. R. Johnson, thanked the demonstration committee for organising the present effort, and proceeded to give the report for the last year’s work. He mentioned that the hospital last year had an income of £10,270 6s. 4d., which included a loan of £6,000 from the Denaby and Cadeby Colliery, Ltd., For that special purpose of enlarging the hospital, and contributions from the colliery workers amounted to £3,451. During the year they had paid on account of the building extensions nearly £4,000. In the same period they had dealt with 170 inpatients and 998 out-patients

Mr Jobbers Hall, J. P., Of Birmingham, said he had just been inspecting the hospital and was greatly impressed with the efficiency and completeness of its arrangements. The committee of the hospital had shown great courage in undertaking and considerable scheme of extensions, but he was quite sure that their faith and courage would be justified by the response of the supporters of the hospital. He was very much impressed by the figures announced by the secretary, and particularly the amount contributed by the work people.

Canon Leteux said the hospital was a monument of Christianity, and stood as an everlasting memorial to the faith of the Christian church. It was there to assist in relief of suffering, without hope of reward, and stood before them as an example of the true Christian life.

The Rev. J. E. Brierley also addressed the gathering. During the service the Rev. H. Lee offered prayers for hospital work and for a speedy and satisfactory settlement of the coal dispute. Hymns sung more in the service were accompanied by the Salvation Army band.

The demonstration was excellently organised and Mr. E. Wimpenny (president of the Demonstration committee). Mr. J. Lawrence (treasurer), and Mr A. Robinson (secretary) worked hard for its success.